Andrew:
Andrew Waller has found that parkrun has given him the confidence to do things he never thought possible. A few weeks after his second child was born, Andrew joined his local parkrun at Great Denham Country Park. “I went with one of my friends and we ran and walked our way around the course,” says Andrew. “I was really pleased to have completed it and was encouraged all the way by those around me. If I’d been trying to do the distance alone, I’m sure I would have stopped after the first 800m.”
Since then, parkrun has become a family affair. Andrew has got his parents, brothers, sister-in-law, wife and eldest daughter involved too. During this time, he’s completed over 100 parkruns as a runner and as a volunteer, including as event director. “I would never have thought I would feel comfortable and even enjoy standing up in front of 132 parkrunners and briefing them before the off. I’ve always struggled with my confidence around other people, not knowing how to start a conversation, hating being the focus of attention when opening presents on my birthday and such like.” Regularly interacting with parkrunners each Saturday has had a positive impact across all of Andrew’s life.
Now, this newfound confidence has propelled Andrew into creating the core team who brought Great Denham juniors to life. He says it was initially “a scary prospect” to be event director with a mostly new group of people, but “I knew it would only be a temporary feeling and I’d soon feel back at home.” Since their kick-off event on 14 July 2024, they’ve had hundreds of children try their first parkrun and a high number of returners. They’ve had many new volunteers get involved too. “It’s a real demonstration of communities coming together,” says Andrew. “On a personal level, hopefully I have shown my children that ordinary people can have an impact on their own community.”
Although Andrew says he feels slightly embarrassed at the idea of taking credit for Great Denham junior parkrun. “One of the volunteers messaged me to say that I’d got Great Denham junior parkrun off to a great start. My reply was I felt like I had helped to create the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz – and in fact it is the community that will give Great Denham junior parkrun its heart.”
Roger:
“I’m 83 and I feel that for people my age, parkrun is a great way to meet others and become fit again,” says Roger Shapcott. He explains that he stopped running completely during Covid for a year. Following that he went through a year of cancer treatment – and then very sadly his wife passed away. “I hadn’t run for over four years,” he recalls. “But the way back was parkrunning with the atmosphere, help and encouragement. I have now run 24 in three different venues. I feel very thankful to the organisation and its volunteers for their time!”
Michael:
“I’m about to hit the milestone of 100 parkruns,” says Michael Pill. “I have Cerebral Palsy and use a specialist frame that enables me to take part every week”. Michael started parkrun in October 2021 when a friend recommended he give it a try, and he’s been hooked ever since. “I love the inclusion and community that parkrun represents,” he explains. “I’ve made lots of new friends and feel welcome every week. It’s now a regular part of my Saturday but I feel it has helped greatly in my day to day life.” Michael thinks he might be the first person who uses a frame to reach the 100 parkrun milestone, but he’s far from done. “My long-term goal is to hopefully reach all of the parkrun milestones as I try to keep fit both physically and mentally,” he says.
John:
“I was looking for something away from my usual routine” explains John Eaton. “Preferably outside – but accessible.” John has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a mobility scooter to get around. He decided to go along to parkrun to volunteer. “I had exchanged emails with Graham at Bromley parkrun, which is my closest event, and was assured of a warm welcome,” he recalls. “At parkrun I have found a community of people, younger and older, walking, running and volunteering, in groups and as individuals but all together. In a few short weeks I have been accepted into this community, shouted thanks at and made to feel welcome but also so much more. Being in a mobility scooter often makes you invisible but at parkrun it makes me recognisable to all the very friendly parkrunners, so it’s actually a benefit, who knew!”
Eithne:
Four years ago, after being socially prescribed the Couch to 5k programme, Eithne Woulfe was inspired to join parkrun at Haldon Forest. The first time she attempted the course Eithne, now 76, says she ran for 90 seconds and it “nearly killed” her. But she soon improved and found friendship along the way. “I made friends with seven people in the group and we’re still friends today,” she says. She hit the 20, then 50 parkrun milestones.
Despite a cancer diagnosis in the meantime, Eithne has recently completed her 100th parkrun. She describes the event as her “lifeline” and says keeping fit has aided her cancer recovery. “When I was prescribed Couch to 5k, I was caring for my sister who suffers from schizophrenia. I was worn out and had very little time for myself,” Eithne shares. parkrun has been great for Eithne’s mental health too: “It’s a great escape from everything,” she enthuses. If you’re thinking about coming to parkrun, Eithne says, “Just do it! You can walk, run or volunteer. It’s great for your physical and mental health – and you’ll find like-minded people and make friends, just like I did.”
